To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection at the Cultural Foundation. Photo: Cultural Foundation - Abu Dhabi
To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection at the Cultural Foundation. Photo: Cultural Foundation - Abu Dhabi
To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection at the Cultural Foundation. Photo: Cultural Foundation - Abu Dhabi
To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection at the Cultural Foundation. Photo: Cultural Foundation - Abu Dhabi

Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Malaysian art and a celebration of Arab women


Faisal Al Zaabi
  • English
  • Arabic

This weekend offers the chance to experience beautiful art from around the world.

In Dubai, an exhibition at Al Habtoor Palace puts the spotlight on Central Asian art, while Kutubna Cultural Centre explores the diverse identities of Arab women through modern and contemporary works. In Abu Dhabi, an exhibition at the Cultural Foundation offers a compelling look at Malaysia’s artistic evolution through works by contemporary pioneers.

Dreams of Spring at Al Habtoor Palace

Dreams of Spring is on display at Al Habtoor Palace until May 31. Photo: Andakulova Gallery
Dreams of Spring is on display at Al Habtoor Palace until May 31. Photo: Andakulova Gallery

Al Habtoor Palace is hosting Dreams of Spring, a vibrant exhibition presented by Andakulova Gallery and Legends Art Club under the patronage of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Dubai. The exhibition showcases the works of renowned Central Asian artists Timur D’Vatz, Timur Akhmedov and Alfiz Sabirov. Their art, rich in mythology and symbolism, has attracted an audience of collectors, creatives and diplomats. The exhibition celebrates the intersection of art, luxury and cultural heritage, highlighting the growing global appreciation for Central Asian art.

Until May 31, Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai

Women in Contemporary Arab Art at Kutubna Cultural Centre

Women in Contemporary Arab Art runs at Kutubna Cultural Centre until May 18. Photo: Zumrad Normatova
Women in Contemporary Arab Art runs at Kutubna Cultural Centre until May 18. Photo: Zumrad Normatova

The Women in Contemporary Arab Art exhibition at Dubai’s Kutubna Cultural Centre features more than 30 works spanning modern and contemporary styles. Sourced from International House Group's private collection, which has been assembled over 25 years, the exhibition brings together diverse scenes and artistic interpretations — from intimate domestic moments to powerful group depictions.

The collection features prominent artists such as Adham Wanly, Hafez Droubi, Fateh Moudarres and Najat Makki, showcasing both traditional and avant-garde techniques. Each piece highlights the many roles and identities Arab women embody, challenging monolithic perceptions.

Monday to Sunday, 10am-10pm, until May 18, Kutubna Cultural Centre, Dubai

To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia at the Cultural Foundation

To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection runs at the Cultural Foundation until September 10. Wam
To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from The AFK Collection runs at the Cultural Foundation until September 10. Wam

To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia: Highlights from the AFK Collection is a group exhibition running until September 10 at the Cultural Foundation. It features works by influential first-generation Malaysian contemporary artists, selected from the AFK Collection, one of the most extensive archives of Malaysian art from the 1980s to the present. Artists represented include Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ali Nurazmal, Anniketyni Madian, Yusof Ghani, Zulkifli Yusoff and others.

The exhibition traces Malaysia’s transformation from a newly independent, rural society to a modern nation. While spotlighting individual artistic practices, it also explores how these works engage with the country’s evolving social, cultural and political narratives. Blending diverse styles and perspectives, the show offers visitors a rich journey through Malaysia’s contemporary art landscape and its deeper reflections on identity, progress and national heritage.

Saturday to Thursday, 9am-8pm, Friday, 2pm-8pm, until September 10, The Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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MATCH INFO

Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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It Was Just an Accident

Director: Jafar Panahi

Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr

Rating: 4/5

While you're here
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Company profile: buybackbazaar.com

Name: buybackbazaar.com

Started: January 2018

Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini

Based: Dubai

Sector: FinTech, micro finance

Initial investment: $1 million

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

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Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

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What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
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The five pillars of Islam
Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Match info

Uefa Champions League Group H

Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Updated: May 09, 2025, 6:36 AM`